Colorado Shooting Judge To Summon 9,000 For Jury
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) - The judge overseeing the Colorado theater shooting case says he plans to issue 9,000 summonses to prospective jurors.
Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. said in a Friday order that he initially planned to summon 6,000 people but decided to add more. He says it will be easier to call off prospective jurors who are not needed than to adjust if there are not enough.
James Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in the July 20, 2012, attack at a Denver-area movie theater. His mental state will be a focus at trial.
Jury selection is expected to start in January and could take months.
Samour has told attorneys to be ready to give opening statements in early June.
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